Akira felt the temperature at the table drop as Mia's gaze remained locked on his phone. Mei's food smelled great, but to Akira, it felt like the quiet before a big storm.
He knew that one wrong move here wouldn't just result in an argument; it would trigger a systemic collapse of the fragile peace he had been trying to maintain.
"Mia, you're being a bit intense," Akira whispered to her, trying to keep the conversation between them. He slowly turned the screen toward her, his heart hammering against his ribs.
Luckily, the timing was perfect. Just as he turned the phone, a new notification banner slid across the top from a number he didn't recognise.
MESSAGE: Unknown Number: Hey Kanzaki! It's Tanji from Art Class. Insane game today, man! You've gotta tell me what gym you're using!
